Before you speak – THINK

Words have power so be very careful what you say; one word can affect the direction of a person’s life. Two alter boys were preparing for communion at two different churches one Sunday. They were both asked to be as careful as possible not to spill the wine, due to the importance of what it represented. At one church, one of the boys accidentally spilled some wine when suddenly the priest lashed out and said, “Because of what you have done, you are to leave the church and never come back.” In the other church a boy also spilled some wine while preparing communion, the Priest, understanding the boys humanness smiled and said, “Someday, you will grow up to be a fine Priest.” The first boy who was tossed out turned out to become General Tito, one of the greatest mass murderers in communist history. The other boy turned out to be the Bishop Fulton Sheen, one of the great spiritual leaders of our time and televisions first preacher.

Recently, I was out shopping and saw a father and mother with three small children coming out of the store. A little boy happened to stub his toe on the sidewalk when suddenly out of nowhere; his father turned around and yelled at the boy, “What are you, a moron.” I can only imagine the impact and long term effect this may have on that boy. What did that comment do to his self-esteem? How would this one comment affect his future?Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted and courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to do this, that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9

PRAYER 4 TODAY

Lord before I speak, let me think; how what I say will effect another person? May my speech be pure and used to lift others up, not tear them down.